Heirloom Grown

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy policy
  • Chickens
    • Breeds
    • Coop
    • Chicks
  • Gardening
    • Growing Guides
    • Seed Saving
    • Seed Starting
    • Soil Health
    • Greenhouse
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy policy
  • Chickens
    • Breeds
    • Coop
    • Chicks
  • Gardening
    • Growing Guides
    • Seed Saving
    • Seed Starting
    • Soil Health
    • Greenhouse
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Privacy policy
  • Chickens
    • Breeds
    • Coop
    • Chicks
  • Gardening
    • Growing Guides
    • Seed Saving
    • Seed Starting
    • Soil Health
    • Greenhouse
  • Subscribe
×
Home

Amazing Benefits of Growing Heirloom Plants

Published: Feb 28, 2023 · Modified: May 5, 2025 by Josiah · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Share!

3 shares
  • Facebook
  • X
Amazing Black beauty heirloom tomato plants

You may be wondering what the benefits are of growing heirloom plants. It took me awhile before I truly understood all the reasons why heirloom plants are the best things to grow in the garden.

Let me share with you the amazing reasons you should be growing only heirloom plants in your garden.

What are heirloom plants anyway

This had to be the very first thing that stumped me. Everyone talked about heirloom plants, but I wasn't sure what this meant. If this was you alsom let me try to explain it simply.

Heirloom seeds and plants are open pollinated plants that have usually been grown and passed down from generation to generation for more than 50 years. And, then you may be thinking what is an open pollinated plant.

Open pollinated plants are plants that are not hybrid and breed true to type. All this means is that they are not cross bred with other plants, but they are only allowed to get pollen from the other plants of the same type.

So in short heirloom plants are plants that have been around for more than 50 years (although this is not a set date range) and are open pollinated, not hybrid.

So is there a difference between open pollinated and heirloom

Just a bit. I grow both plants that are open pollinated and that are heirloom and enjoy them both. The main difference between the two is that heirloom plants have been around longer and usually originate from older cultivars.

What are the benefits of heirloom plants

When you understand a little about plant botany and the way seeds are saved you will understand how important heirloom and open pollinated seeds are.

Here is a list of reasons that heirloom plants are better for gardening than hybrid seeds.

Heirloom plants can be saved year after year

When hybrid plants are cross bred with other plants they become sterile. This means that their seeds do not germinate. If you are like me and like to save seeds then you understand how upsetting this is.

glass gem popcorn seeds in hand
Here are glass gem popcorn seeds I have saved

Heirloom seeds have a rich history

From herbs that were grown in Biblical times to peas found in King Tut's tomb, the history of heirloom plants is astounding. Thomas Jefferson was known for his huge gardens in Monticello, and many of todays heirloom seeds come from his original gardens.

If you are a history buff, then you will want to grow heirloom seeds.

Greater genetic diversity

When plants are hybridized or bred for certain characteristics they lose genetic information. This genetic information is what allows plants to adapt to changing conditions.

Growing and saving heirloom plants can help them adapt to certain climates. When we lose all this genetic information it can impact our garden's health.

More color

Heirloom plants are known for their quirky colors. Not only do these colors make meals interesting they are healthier with more antioxidants.

heirloom tomato with health benefits
You can literally see all this tomato's healthiness

Better for organic gardening

Because most heirloom seeds were grown when commercial pesticides and fertilizers were not available these plants have better adaptability to organic growing conditions.

Taste better

When hybrid plants are bred they usually are bred for uniformity and capability to be shipped for miles and miles. This breeding creates plants that are better suited for cardboard than consumption.

Heirloom plants have been bred over the years to be better tasting. Therefore, if you want the best tasting vegetables grow heirloom plants.

Saves you money

While heirloom seeds may not be cheaper than hybrid seeds, if you save seeds and regrow them they will save you money in the long run.

Tested By time

Heirloom seeds have been around for many years and have been passed down from generation to generation. The reason these seeds are passed down is because they have amazing qualities.

Should I grow Heirloom even if I do not save seeds

Absolutely! even if you do not want to save seeds, heirloom vegetables have so many other qualities. Heirloom vegetables come in many more colors and flavors than hybrid plants do.

If you want to learn to save seeds Seed Savers Exchange has some great resources.

Where should I buy heirloom seeds

Hopefully you now understand why heirloom plants are so great and you want to start growing them. Here are some companies that I have bought from and trust for my heirloom and open pollinated seeds.

Baker Creek Seeds: Based out of the MO Ozarks this company is the big name in heirloom seeds. You will want to request a free catalog from them (they are so hard to put down).

Seeds for Generations: This company is a small family seed business. I have bought from them and have been very pleased with their seeds.

Seed Savers Exchange: This is a 501c3 non-profit based out of northern Iowa. They offer many open pollinated and heirloom seeds.

My experience with heirloom seeds

I love growing my heirloom plants. I enjoy scouring the seed catalogs and growing all the funky vegetables. Growing black tomatoes, red carrots, and cucumbers that are the best ever are some of the things that make me so enthusiastic about heirloom plants.

Pin This!

you need to only grow heirloom plants

Other articles you would enjoy

HOW TO GROW BUZZ BUTTONS
HOW TO GROW HEIRLOOM GLASS GEM POPCORN
SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CHICKES IMMUNE HEALTH

More Gardening

  • how to hand pollinate
    How To Hand Pollinate
  • A pile of cut up chives
    How To Grow Chives
  • Space saving garden ideas
    Space Saving Garden Ideas
  • How to make a round hanging planter
    How To Make A Round Hanging Planter

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome!

Josiah here, I'm a gardener and chicken keeper who's always trying to grow more food. I am here to help you grow!

About me

Popular Posts

  • How To Make Chickens Friendly
  • How to layout a greenhouse
    How To Layout A Greenhouse
  • 5 things every chicken coop needs
    5 Things Every Chicken Coop Needs
  • Free Printable Seed Packets
    Free Printable Seed Packets

Seasonal Posts

  • Things To Know Before Getting Chickens
  • How to Grow the Best Heirloom Cucumbers
    How to Grow the Best Heirloom Cucumbers
  • Bedding for chicks: What is best to use
    Bedding for chicks: What is best to use
  • Best DIY Potting Soil Mix For Seedlings

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • About

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 HeirloomGrown